Coffs Harbour to Ballina road trip: Drive distance & best stops

Attractions between Coffs Harbour and Ballina: Maclean and Yamba

The highway then continues north towards the Clarence River, skipping east of Grafton and Lawrence before arriving in the peculiarly Scottish Maclean. Here, the Bicentennial Museum delves into that Scottish past and the Ferry Park Gallery showcases the local art scene.

The Waterview Motel and Club Maclean are the best Maclean accommodation options.

Before crossing the Harwood Bridge over the Clarence River, consider whether you want to make a slight diversion to the gorgeous coastal town of Yamba.

Here, the Calypso Yamba caravan park is one of several good accommodation options. Others include the budget-friendly Aston Motel, the riverside Moby Dick and the gardens-surrounded Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort.

Yamba beaches worth investigating include Turners Beach, Yamba Main Beach, Pippi Beach and Green Point Beach.

Click through to the next section: Evans Head.